ISLE OF MAN
The music file on this page is "ELLAN VANNIN", the Manx national song (not national anthem), recorded by the Bee Gees and sung by Robin Gibb. Robin, Barry and Maurice Gibb were born in the Isle of Man. The Bee Gees first performed the song at Wembley Stadium in London in 1998.
TT @ THE SHORE
TT @ The Shore whatever the score
is magic with Deb and with Andy and more
for Julie and Richard and Alex are there
and Sam with the diners eating excellent fare
The first week a chrisis but all pulled their weight
and Richard the barman - the kitchen his fate
preparing the food for the Bikers so Hairy
was done with a flare and so nothing was scary
Bikers from Southend are regulars they are
they come back each year so for all a green star
a meeting Triumphant, a huge BBQ
and too Hairy Bikers successful on cue
All is a pleasure right down at The Shore
being there makes one return there for more
TT's now over again for the year
no doubt we'll return to The Shore, have no fear
©Elizabeth A Feisst 2008
All rights reserved
WHERE THE WILDFLOWERS GROW
Content in their freedom they move in the breeze
colours of splendour these flowers of ease
beauty displayed for they know their full worth
in their natural state as was their's from their birth
Seeded of God, now they grow t'ward's the light
majestic, they honour their full sovereign right
their soulfulness seen on each bright summer's day
deep in the field of grasses they sway
Such joy they present as they move with delight
in the warm summer sun or the evening's moonlight
their annual display is of nature's fine flow
down on the Curraghs where the wildflowers grow
©Elizabeth A Feisst 2008
All rights reserved
The following photos of wild orchids on the Ballaugh Curraghs, Isle of Man, inspired the above poem. Photographs taken by Jon Wornham, a local Manx amateur photographer, and are copyrighted to him. His website is www.island-images.co.uk
SPOOYT VANE CHAPEL
A tiny chapel all forlorn
that served the flock when they were born
and when they died their lives reliven
and wedding days to each were given
Built in stone its beauty shares
unique in style beyond compare
were people short those years ago?
and now today they all did grow?
Which sees this little chapel be
alone in nature growing free
all around this little gem
which served the past for all of them
So many stories on the wall
this little chapel does recall
so much the past yet here today
we stop, reflect while on our way
©Elizabeth A Feisst 2007
All rights reserved
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LAXEY TRAM CAFE
A summer in the cafe
at Laxey Village Station
icecreams, teas and chocolate bars
and faces of elation
"Coffee please" she asks with glee
"Cup or mug" I say
"Weak with milk in mug" she says
" 'twill help me on my way"
Icecreams all around is asked
vanilla, choc or toffee
raspberry ripple, mint-choc-chip
or cappucino-coffee
"Small or large or medium
which size do you require?"
icecream's melting in the heat
I feel like I'm on fire
Sandwich orders thick and fast
'tis lunchtime now for some
checking time I see that it is
close to half-past one
Tables messy, cups awry
napkins, sugar, cans
clearing all is such a rush
then kitchen to the fan
In heat of day and hot with flush
with trams and bells and whistles
noisy place this sweet cafe
yet time for this epistle
Andy, Nita and friend Harry
working with the trams
diet cokes and icecreams make
their temperaments as lambs
Jacqui, Em and Vivien
my partners dear in crime
serving time with them has been
a pleasure so sublime
With summer drawing to a close
and trees their leaves a'losing
I'll miss my days in this cafe
a summer of my choosing
© Elizabeth A Feisst 25 August 2006
All rights reserved
 
{Click on the thumbprints to enlarge to show the cafe building and also some of the trams. Photos courtesy of Peter Killey of Manxscenes.com}
THROUGH PASSAGE OF TIME
Through passage of time
Cemented in stone
Stories of lives
All one and alone
Family of crofters
Once home with a view
Now roofless and empty
A derelict hue
Many's the echo
On crumbling walls
Returning to nature
As each stone falls
The constant of life
Sees change as the clime
Nothing is permanent
Through passage of time
©Elizabeth A Feisst 25 December 2005
{ Photo courtesy Jon Wornham Island Images}
SUN OF MANNEnjoy sun of Mann
Such beauty to view
Glistening the sea
A glorious hue
Sunset or sunrise
A glow of such awe
Beaming reflections
Down at the shore
View from the hills
The Ayres or the plains
Where e'er one stands
Such wonder remains
Hearts are expanded
As one joins the sun
The Isle of Man is
The glorious one
The place to be when
The new light of day
The sun of Mann rising
A perfect display
As day becomes night
The sun with its smile
It kisses the sea
As it sets for a while
Tomorrow a new day
It rises with flair
To shine on the Isle
Of Manannan Mac Lir©Elizabeth A Feisst 18 December 2005
Click to enlarge. Photo courtesy Peter Killey of Manxscenes.com Used with permission
LAXEY WHEEL
Lady Isabella
In Laxey Isle of Man
Built in 1854
Pump water was the plan
From mountain streams the water came
To turn the wheel around
The miner's working underneath
They lived in Laxey town
Named for Isabella
Wife of Charles Hope
The Governor of the Isle of Man
Who climbed the valley's slope
Charles did set the wheel to move
Recorded at the time
Remembered now in history
Its opening was sublime
The Laxey Wheel
Its job complete in 1929
No longer needed for the work
When mining saw decline
So now the tourists flock to see
This beauty in the vale
Proudly standing slim and tall
Unique and not for sale
In the year 2000-4
There was a celebration
One hundred years and fifty
Recorded by the Nation
The Laxey Wheel received new paint
All pristine now was she
She smiled and shone in victory
Big Wheel she turned so free
Lady Isabella
In Laxey Isle of Man
Built in 1854
Pump water was the plan
From mountain streams the water came
To turn the wheel around
The miner's working underneath
They lived in Laxey town
© Elizabeth A Feisst 17 November 2005
The story of the Laxey Wheel can be found here: http://www.laxeywheel.co.uk/index.html
{Laxey Wheel - click to enlarge Photo courtesy Peter Killey, www.manxscenes.com}
PLAINS OF HEAVEN
Upon the Plains of Heaven
Near Braaid in Isle of Man
One walks in heavenly glory
In barefoot joy on land
For here is ancient history
Of Celts and Vikings past
Expanse of golden harvest
And stable stones to last
Rolling valley, hills and dales
To north and south, Barrule
Central point of all this glory
The Braaid, its always ruled
Stones and chambers, burial mounds
Surrounded by the Plains
A heavenly, magic feeling
Where history too doth reign
Upon the Plains of Heaven
Near Braaid in Isle of Man
One walks in heavenly glory
In barefoot joy on land
© Elizabeth A Feisst 30 July 2005
{Click on thumbnails to enlarge... Plains of Heaven painting by Ralph Courtie, Isle of Man. Braaid Stones photo by Peter Killey, Isle of Man.}
{Also the following on the Plains of Heaven}
RAINBOW HEAVEN
Rainbow magic
Rainbow heaven
Rising up like
Bread that's leaven
Colours sparkle
Through the rain
As the sun shines
On the Plain
Heaven's Plain
In central Mann
Rolling hills
A gentle plan
Steps to heaven
Lifts one up
Rainbow dreams
That fill one's cup
Walking 'cross
The Plains of Heaven
Grateful thanks
Seven X Seven
© Elizabeth A Feisst 5 December 2005
HARRY KELLY'S COTTAGE
Harry Kelly's Cottage
Of Cregneash village fame
Belongs to time afore gone by
Today its tale remains
A feature on a postcard
In "Waking Ned Devine"
It gives the Isle of Man a claim
To fame in its recline
White-washed beauty under thatch
With little cottage windows
A little door to match the size
A tall man this could hinder !
In tidy nitch it shows itself
With so much pride and joy
A history of the bygone years
'Twas Harry Kelly's ploy
The Kelly family lived here once
No longer this to be
The tourists now flock summer long
The past for now to see
Cregneash village near the Sound
'Tis living history
With Harry Kelly's home amid
The mists of mystery.
©Elizabeth A Feisst 23 June 2005
{Click on the thumbnail to enlarge}
MANANNAN'S MISTS
Manannan's mists a'shrouding
Transcending no pretext
Provide the way of moving
'Tween this world and the next
The doors of time are op'ning
Wider than before
The journey of the warrior
To spiritual lands afore
With magic tools provided
Inner powers be had
Virtues honouring goodness
Distinguish good from bad
The inner journey takes us
Further than we've been
The way is of magnificence
To worlds before n'er seen
Of beauty, love and wonder
Joyous laughter too
Freedom of the being
A soul a loving hue
Myth of Mann a'shrouding
Transcendent mists compare
Manannan, God/Protector
Of all who are aware.
©Elizabeth A Feisst 19 June 2005
{Photo courtesy of Liz Courtie}
MAUGHOLD PARISH CROSS
The story of the Maughold Cross
An ancient remnant almost lost
Instead remains for all to see
It stands today with dignity
Once was found outside the gate
Then Maughold Churchyard was its fate
With stone a'crumbling, soon was haste
The Church became its resting place
Of sandy stone was carved the Cross
From St Bee's so thus "across"
Magnificent pillar standing tall
Ancient stories to tell all
Carved a'time in history
When there was much mystery
Six hundred years have now gone by
Yet one knows not the story why
Four-sided cross with different hues
Each side a picture carved to view
Each one is so magnificent
With stories so significant
The first it shows Three Legs of Mann
Rotating such, no longer can
Above the Legs for all to see
Crucifixion history
So moving further on around
The next depiction to be found
A cross with flower, above which shows
The virgin mother and child a'glows
Further still is seen a view
A leaf of oak, a carven hue
A kneeling figure so serene
A square and plant below is seen
A final view as one moves round
A leaf of oak again is found
Above the leaf is seen a rose
Below a chalice does repose
The ancient Maughold Parish Cross
A timeless gem yet tinged with dross
With much not known or understood
As time moves on perhaps one could
© Elizabeth A Feisst 12 June 2005
{Click thumbnail to enlarge - photo courtesy of Peter Killey @ http://www.manxscenes.com }
MEAYLL CIRCLE
On southern Sound of Mann
Abounds Meayll Circle
Hill on high plain
Megalith in circle fashion
Holding secrets of times past
Providing peace and serenity
In space high above
Where one can see time in nature
A view at day's end
Sun sinking deep in western sky
Pinks and hues supreme
Gold rays magic shadowing
Dark profiles of stable stone
As day becomes night
Transition of experience
A time of mystery
After the light of understanding
In a day of knowing
Who said the darkness was not beauty?
No-one, but illusion itself:
Meayll Hill
A high climb above
To view beyond to west
Behind which land of past
Knows much of yesteryear
Yet now in perfect stillness
A knowing that today is well
Yesterday gone, tomorrow to come
But nought to concern
Strength in knowing from stone
Long since still being
Reflecting past and future
In now moment, ever present
Meayll Hill, Meayll Circle
Life eternal, experienced
©Elizabeth A Feisst 14 May 2005
 
{Click the thumbnails to enlarge. Photos courtesy Jon Wornham www.island-images.co.uk }
SEALS OF APPROVAL
We, seals basking at the Sound
Approving the sunny option
With sighs of enjoyment
Enough room for me and you
And brother too, there is
Just; before we slither back
Swimmingly to cool in seas
Irish green; cold and icy
Yet perfectly tempered
For us, smoothly protected
We, seals basking in the Sound
No labours in life for us, except
Just being, lazily loping along
On shores or coves -Kitterland
Perhaps, or Calf of Mann
Young and old - we move
With ease and grace
Yet on solid rock we lie
Sunning, absorbing, warming
Ourselves with life's golden rays
We are, the seals of approval.
©Elizabeth A Feisst 13 May 2005
{Click on the thumbnail once again the enlarge the photo - courtesy of Peter Killey}
BLUEBELLS AT BALLAGLASS
Spring in May, bluebells
In Ballaglass they bloom
Like carpets they entice
Lying on the softness
Bordering on brilliance
Enhancing the way
For exploring more
Along a trodden path
Bearing roots and rock
The shadows, the rays
The bluebells call one
To seek further blue
Beyond to more blue
Down yonder shore
Port Cornaa pebbled
Sheltered cove,quiet
Shore to contemplate
Once more returning
Through sheltering
Trees and bluebells
On path trodden
By many before
In springtime blue
The bells chime
Return again and
Explore some more.
© Elizabeth A Feisst 13 May 2005
THE MYSTICAL MISTS OF MANN
The mystical mists of Mann
Enshroud us whene’er they can
Manannan Mac Lir
O'ersees us with care
Through his mystical mists of Mann
The mystical mists of Mann
Entrap us whene'er they can
To keep from our view
The beautiful hue
Of all that is different on Mann
The mystical mists of Mann
Protect us whene'er they can
Our Manannin Mac Lir
The one who doth steer
The future direction of Mann
© Elizabeth A Feisst 1 May 2005
{Click on this thumbnail to take you to this beautiful vista of Cregneash Village shrouded in mist on May Day... Photo courtesy Peter Killey}
ATOP SNAEFELL
Atop Snaefell
Where one can dwell
In heart and mind
There is a kind
Of joy around
A view profound
Of Ireland, England
Wales, Scotland.
Mann, Neptune, Heaven
The Kingdoms seven.
Valley green, ocean blue
Ever such a blending hue.
Gentle breeze,
Which gives such ease
Or blowing gales
Which rarely fails
To test one's strength
To go the length
To climb the hill
Enjoy the chill
Where one can dwell
Atop Snaefell
© Elizabeth A Feisst 11 March 2005
Brief explanation: Snaefell (meaning Snow Mountain) is the highest point in the Isle of Man where I live
SCARLETT’S VEIL
Scarlett's veil, white and pure
Surges with current and energy
Foamy strength..
Rushing o'er yonder rocks
Creating spray of misty magic.
A vista of crystal bubbles
Falling down over stability
Like a veil of white light.
The power engendered
As the continual flow moves
In harmony as nature intends
A stormy white beauty smiling
Encouraged to rise and fall
On time and tide.
Scarlett's veil, white and free
Behind which a sea, grey-blue
Watches and waits
Her final magic act
Of veiled strength
Showering o'er rocky point
Ending the mystical wonder
A storm of white glory
Creating wild beauty
As one so pure
As Scarlett's veil.
© Elizabeth A Feisst 6 April 2005
{This is the picture which inspired the above poem. Photo courtesy ofJon Wornham of www.island-images.co.uk} |
